Description

The objective of this technique is to allow users who cannot hear or read
text rapidly to be able to access synchronized media material without affecting the
presentation of the material for all viewers.

For those who communicate primarily in sign language it is sometimes less
preferable and sometimes not possible for them to read and understand text
at the rate it is presented in captions. For these latter individuals it is
important to provide sign language presentation of the audio information.

This technique accomplishes this by providing the sign language
interpretation as a separate video stream that is synchronized with the
original video stream. Depending on the player, this secondary video stream
can be overlaid on top of the original video or displayed in a separate
window. It may also be possible to enlarge the sign language interpreter
separately from the original video to make it easier to read the hand, body
and facial movements of the signer.

NOTE: Since sign language is not usually a signed version of the printed
language, the author has to decide which sign language to include. Usually
the sign language of the primary audience would be used. If intended for
multiple audiences, multiple languages may be used. See advisory technique
for multiple sign languages.

Examples

Example 1

Example 1: A university provides a synchronized sign language
interpreter video stream that can be displayed, at the viewer's
option, along with any of their education programs.

Resources

Resources are for information purposes only, no endorsement implied.

Guidelines for the Production of Signing Books

"Sign Language presentation"
gives a
broad overview of issues to consider when filming
sign language interpreters. Includes discussion of
signing both written and spoken originals.

Tests

Procedure

Have someone watch the program who can hear and is familiar with
the sign language being used.

Check to see if there is a sign language interpreter on screen
or in a separate window.

Check to see that dialogue and important sounds are being conveyed
by the interpreter and are synchronized with the audio.

Expected Results

#3 and #4 are true

If this is a sufficient technique for a success criterion, failing this test procedure does not necessarily mean that the success criterion has not been satisfied in some other way, only that this technique has not been successfully implemented and can not be used to claim conformance.